Proposals to tighten entry conditions for the relatives of immigrants who want to join their family in France are to be debated in the French parliament.
Under the new bill, immigrant families would have to prove they are solvent financially and can speak French.
In some cases the legislation would demand the relatives take a DNA test to prove their applications were genuine.
Civil liberties groups say the bill is inhuman but the government has vowed to clamp down on illegal immigration.
President Nicolas Sarkozy has set up deportation quotas, promising to send home 25,000 illegal immigrants this year alone.
The bill would require immigrant family members aged over 16 to take a test in their country of origin demonstrating a good knowledge of French language and values.Applicants would also have to prove their family in France can support them and earn at least the minimum wage.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7000095.stm